In this special Waitangi edition of The Adviser Talk, Tim and Nick explore what a 149-year journey toward resolution can teach us about how we show up in our financial lives today.
Drawing on the remarkable story of Ngāi Tahu, they uncover how generations carried the weight of grievance, how internal division weakened an otherwise formidable iwi, and how unity, pragmatism and forward thinking ultimately sparked extraordinary regeneration. From an infamous dog skin cloak feud to the full and final settlement that allowed Ngāi Tahu to move from loss into long-term growth, this episode looks at why the past matters, but also why staying anchored to it can quietly erode wellbeing, opportunity and financial resilience.
Tim and Nick connect these powerful historical lessons to the modern decisions families, investors, and business owners face every day, especially when emotions run high. At its heart, this conversation is about choosing where to invest your energy. Whether navigating an inheritance dispute, a business breakdown or a long-held sense of imbalance, the Ngāi Tahu story offers a blueprint for letting go of what no longer serves you, coming together with clarity and purpose and building a future that compounds in your favour for generations.
(00:00:00) Intro: Tim opens the Waitangi special; context of Waitangi Day, Ngai Tahu, and the value of moving forward
(00:01:18) Ngai Tahu grievance begins: Nick explains the Kemp Deed, £2,000 payment and 149 years of grievance
(00:02:47) Dialect and pronunciation: Nick explains saying Kai Tahu vs Ngai Tahu
(00:02:59) The dog skin cloak feud: Nick recounts Te Maiharanui, the family feud and its generational consequences
(00:05:20 approx.) Internal division and Ngāti Toa attacks: How division weakened Kai Tahu before Te Rauparaha arrived
(00:06:12) Te Kerēme — The Claim: The broken promises, missing reserves, hospitals and schools
(00:09:16) Settlement lessons: Ngai Tahu’s strategic choice to settle for $170m and move forward
(00:09:53) Balancing principle and future: Navigating grievance vs financial wellbeing
(00:10:20) Emotional and financial cost of unresolved disputes: Stress, bandwidth, and stalled progress
(00:11:35) Psychological shift: How Ngai Tahu became a governance model for other iwi
(00:11:36–00:15:30) Modern NZ context: New migrants, national reflections, and choosing growth over grievance
(00:15:58) Closing reflections: Lessons of Ngai Tahu for personal, whānau and financial planning
Nick's book recommendation: Te Maiharoa and the Promised Land by Buddy Mikaere
Music: Silent Lucidity by Queensryche
The Adviser Talk is available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.
Nick Stewart (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Huirapa, Ngāti Māmoe, Ngāti Waitaha) is a Financial Adviser and CEO at Stewart Group, a Hawke's Bay and Wellington-based CEFEX-certified financial planning and advisory firm. Stewart Group provides personal fiduciary services, Wealth Management, Risk Insurance and KiwiSaver solutions.
The information provided, or any opinions expressed in this show, are of a general nature only and should not be construed or relied on as a recommendation to invest in a financial product or class of financial products. You should seek financial advice specific to your circumstances from an Authorised Financial Adviser before making any financial decisions. A disclosure statement can be obtained free of charge by calling 0800 878 961 or visit our website, www.stewartgroup.co.nz
The information provided, or any opinions expressed in this show, are of a general nature only and should not be construed or relied on as a recommendation to invest in a financial product or class of financial products. You should seek financial advice specific to your circumstances from an Authorised Financial Adviser before making any financial decisions. A disclosure statement can be obtained free of charge by calling 0800 878 961 or visiting our website, www.stewartgroup.co.nz
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